Fostering open and free dialogue
By Editorial
The recent media storm over President Barack Obama's invitation to Notre Dame's commencement has us a little puzzled. Certainly Obama's long-held support for abortion rights runs contrary to the Catholic Church's staunch opposition to any termination of life, even those not yet born. But the condemnation of Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins by a number of Catholic bishops for even extending the invitation and a groundswell of angry protests has elicited a few questions: is it not possible to honor a man without subscribing to every one of his beliefs? Was Obama's invitation appropriate? Was Notre Dame the right venue? Our answers are yes, yes, and emphatically, yes.
College campuses should be places where the opinions and perspectives of everyone are able to flow freely. While religious institutions like Notre Dame are perfectly valid in promoting moral and ethical values, we must not let a broader educational standard of critically evaluating ideas, both old and new, popular and not, become a casualty of religious fervor. Embracing the thoughts and opinions of others, even those we may not agree with, will just as likely enlighten our minds as enrich our spirits.
As a Catholic establishment overseen by Jesuits, Santa Clara challenges students to ask questions, actively seek answers and always search for greater understanding of faith and academia. Certainly, intellect and inspiration cannot be sustained through closing off channels of communication with those we may not agree with.
But the furor over Obama's invitation to speak was bred not from who he is or what he might say, but rather out of what he believes. Even the greatest minds in the history of our country, those who have created the very laws and beliefs that still govern our nation today, did not agree with one another on all accounts. Through respect and understanding for the differing beliefs of others, we can hope to not only achieve compromise, but in turn, create change.
Was the contingency of Catholics against Obama's commencement appearance afraid that the young president might walk up to the microphone and encourage graduates to seek abortions? Were they afraid that students might link the prestige of his office with his thoughts on abortion? Were they afraid that his own opinions might cause students to critically evaluate their own faith? If not, then what were they afraid of?
These issues should not hinder the true value of such an honorable event. Obama's commencement speech to college graduates who will soon enter the work force should not be condemned or looked down upon, but should instead be commemorated and valued for all its worth.
Regardless of his beliefs or opinions, Obama's words of encouragement to the students of Notre Dame are nothing short of inspirational, a reminder that by opening our hearts and our minds, a middle ground can be forged.